Syracuse, N.Y. -- Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim's chances of survival, according to the American Heart Association.

That's why the association is pushing for passage of a law in New York that would require CPR training in high schools.

CPR has been simplified and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is no longer recommended in cases where a teen or an adult suddenly collapses. Instead, the heart association recommends hands-only CPR.

The association recommends hands-on training be a
requirement for graduation. Several studies have demonstrated that
trainees, including school children, can achieve acceptable levels of
skill proficiency in adult CPR in 30 minutes or less.

You can contact health writer James T. Mulder at jmulder@syracuse.com or (315) 470-2245. Follow him on Twitter @JamesTMulder